Meaning
To sit, rest, meditate, and give thanks — in Rastafari usage, to settle in peaceful, thankful contemplation. From the phrase 'satta massagana' (give thanks and praise), made famous by the roots-reggae anthem of that name; 'satta' now broadly means to chill, reason, and be at peace.
Examples
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Wi jus a satta an reason under di tree.
We're just relaxing and reasoning under the tree.
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Satta, mi bredren, everyting bless.
Be at peace, my brethren, everything is blessed.
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Him satta pon di hillside a meditate.
He sat peacefully on the hillside meditating.
Origin
From 'satta massagana', an Amharic phrase (interpreted as 'give thanks and praise') adopted into Rastafari speech and popularised by The Abyssinians' 1969 anthem.
How it’s used
Rastafari/roots usage: to sit, meditate, give thanks, and be at peace. Also 'satta pon di riddim' (settle into the groove).